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Men's underwear has come a long way over the centuries, from simple loincloths to the wide variety of styles available today. As fashion trends continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see what new innovations and styles emerge in the world of men's underwear.
The Early Days of Men's Underwear
Undergarments for men have been around for centuries, although they were not always referred to as underwear. In ancient times, loincloths were worn by both men and women for modesty and protection. As clothing styles evolved, so did the underwear men wore underneath.
In the Middle Ages, men wore linen undergarments that covered the body from the waist down to the knees. These were called braies, and they were often tied at the waist with a drawstring. As time went on, braies were replaced by longer hose or stockings that covered the legs up to the waist.
The Renaissance and Beyond
During the Renaissance, men's fashion became more ornate and extravagant. Undergarments were no exception, with men wearing padded hose or "pantaloons" that provided a more fitted silhouette. In the 18th century, men began wearing knee-length drawers that were similar to modern-day boxer shorts.
By the 19th century, men's underwear had become more standardized. White cotton drawers were worn by most men, and they were often buttoned or tied at the waist. In the late 1800s, the "union suit" was invented, which was a one-piece garment that covered the body from the neck down to the ankles. It had a flap at the back for convenience when using the bathroom.
The Rise of Briefs
In the early 20th century, a new style of underwear emerged: the brief. This style was introduced by a company called Jockey International in 1934. Arthur Kneibler received a postcard from the French Riviera showing a man in a bikini style swimsuit, and this postcard was the inspiration for the creation of the Jockey Brief. Briefs were smaller and more form-fitting than traditional boxers or drawers, and they quickly became popular among athletes and men who wanted a more streamlined look.
Since their introduction, men's briefs have undergone several significant changes in design and materials. Here are some of the key milestones in the evolution of men's briefs:
The first briefs were made from cotton, which was a departure from the wool and silk fabrics that were commonly used for men's underwear at the time.
During World War II, soldiers were issued "skivvies," which were briefs made of lightweight cotton. This helped to popularize the style even further, and by the 1950s, briefs had become the most common style of men's underwear.
In the 1940s and 1950s, elastic was added to the waistband, which made the briefs more comfortable and allowed them to stay in place better.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the rise of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon led to the creation of stretchier, more form-fitting briefs that were designed to accentuate the male physique.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of designer underwear brands like Calvin Klein and Jockey led to the introduction of bold colors and patterns, as well as the use of premium fabrics like microfiber and modal.
In the 2000s and beyond, the trend toward comfort and functionality has driven innovation in men's underwear. This has led to the development of moisture-wicking and odor-resistant fabrics, as well as innovative designs that provide support without constriction.
Boxers and Beyond
In the 1960s, boxers began to gain popularity as an alternative to briefs. Boxers were looser and more relaxed than briefs, and they were often made in colorful prints and patterns. Boxer shorts quickly became a staple of men's underwear, and they remain popular to this day.
Boxer Briefs
Boxer briefs became popular because they combine the best features of both boxers and briefs. They offer the support and snug fit of briefs, while providing the coverage and comfort of boxers. Boxer briefs provide a sleek and modern look, which is appealing to many men.
Boxer briefs were first introduced in the 1990s by Calvin Klein, and they quickly gained popularity among men. The design of boxer briefs was a departure from the traditional underwear styles of the time, which were either briefs or boxers. Boxer briefs offered a new alternative that was comfortable, supportive, and stylish.
Another reason why boxer briefs became popular is that they are versatile. They can be worn under a variety of clothing styles, from tight-fitting pants to loose-fitting shorts. Boxer briefs also come in a range of materials, including cotton, spandex, and moisture-wicking fabrics, which make them suitable for different activities and occasions. Some men also appreciate the added coverage that boxer briefs provide compared to briefs.
The Development of Trunks
Trunks evolved out of boxer briefs as a middle ground between briefs and boxer briefs. They are square cut at the bottom, but do not have fabric that extends further down the thigh. Trunks are becoming more popular with the rising popularity of shorter inseam shorts for men, as many boxer briefs would show when wearing shorter shorts.
Other Styles
Jockstraps
The jockstrap, also known as an athletic supporter, is a piece of underwear designed to provide support and protection to the male genitalia during physical activity. It was first invented in 1874 by C.F. Bennett, a Chicago-based bicycle courier who was seeking a way to prevent the discomfort caused by riding over bumpy roads.
Bennett's design consisted of a waistband and a pouch to hold the genitals, which was connected to two elastic straps that went around the buttocks and left the rear end exposed. The jockstrap quickly caught on as a popular undergarment for cyclists, and it wasn't long before it was adopted by athletes in other sports such as football, hockey, and baseball.
Over time, the design of the jockstrap evolved to include a hard cup to protect the genitals from impact during contact sports. This innovation was introduced in the early 1900s by the company now known as Bike Athletic Company, which remains one of the leading manufacturers of jockstraps to this day.
The jockstrap also gained popularity as a fashion item in the 1970s, with some men wearing them as a form of underwear or even as an outer garment. Today, jockstraps continue to be used by athletes in a wide range of sports, as well as by men who require support or protection for their genitals for medical or comfort reasons.
Thongs/G-Strings
In the 1980s and 1990s, underwear styles became more diverse. Thongs and G-strings for men were introduced, although they never gained the widespread popularity of briefs or boxers.
Athletic Performance Underwear
In recent years, performance underwear has become more popular, with brands like Under Armour and Nike offering moisture-wicking and odor-resistant fabrics.
Today, men have more choices for underwear than ever before, especially with the rise of online shopping. Online storefronts specializing in men's underwear feature brands and styles you might not find in a big box store, and make a wider selection available to everyone. What's in your top drawer?
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